American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline Summary for Limb Salvage or Early Amputation.

Abstract

Clinical Practice Guideline for Limb Salvage or Early Amputation is based on a systematic review of current scientific and clinical research. The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to address treatment for severe lower limb trauma below the distal femur by either amputation or limb salvage by providing evidence-based recommendations for key decisions that affect the management of patients with lower extremity trauma. This guideline contains 11 recommendations to evaluate the decision factors important for limb salvage versus early amputation. In addition, the work group highlighted the need for better research in the treatment and the shared decision making process of high-energy lower extremity trauma.